Alex Marvez, of the Sun-Sentinel, reports former Miami Dolphins DT Tim Bowens (back) may not retire after all, but he may instead opt to attempt to play in 2006, if he feels better after some time away. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said Bowens isn't going to immediately file such paperwork with the NFL. "If he came back, it would be with the Dolphins. That goes without saying," Rosenhaus said.

Updating previous reports, the Associated Press reports free agent DT Tim Bowens (Dolphins) is unlikely to play again following his release from the Miami Dolphins. Bowens agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that "Neither Tim nor I foresee him playing for another team again other than the Dolphins due to his back injury. He has not been cleared by his doctors and it just looked very unlikely that Tim was going to be able to play this year." Rosenhaus added that Bowens is not retiring yet, but said that it's unlikely he would play again.

Updating ongoing reports, according to MiamiDolphins.com, the Miami Dolphins recent release of DT Tim Bowens (back) is the first step for the defensive tackle to retire as a Dolphin, according to head coach Nick Saban. "Tim talked to me and said he wanted to retire as a Dolphin, and we wanted to accommodate his request," Saban said. "Today's transaction is a procedural method to allow him to do that…We want to thank him for his contributions to the Dolphins and we're looking forward to maintaining a close relationship with him in the future." Dolphins LB Zach Thomas said Bowens would be missed. "I am going to miss him," Thomas said. "He helped me make a lot of plays."

Jason Cole, of the Miami Herald, reports Miami Dolphins DT Tim Bowens (back) has not seen any improvement with his injured back. Bowens had an epidural of pain relievers last week and might not be able to participate in the team's veteran minicamp June 10-12.

Updating an ongoing story, the Miami Herald reports Miami Dolphins DT Tim Bowens (back) is pondering retirement. The Dolphins are now studying how and when to break ties with Bowens. Bowens received bad news last week when he visited a specialist and was told he has made no progress in recovering from the back ailment that forced him to miss all but two games last season. Doctors also told Bowens nothing could be done to cure his back problems, short of hoping time would do the trick.

Updating a previous story, Alex Marvez, reports for the Sun-Sentinel, it is appearing less likely Miami Dolphins DT Tim Bowens (back) will return to the team for the 2005 season. Bowens has been troubled by excess weight and recently his attitude may have caused a problem as well. He recently left team headquarters in a huff, with one source saying Bowens became so angry at criticism from new defensive line coach Dan Quinn that he walked out of a meeting. Another source said Bowens left more out of frustration with his lack of progress in recuperating from a herniated disc than any beef with Quinn. Leaving meetings will not go over well with new head coach Nick Saban. Bowens will need to show he can remain healthy and earn the trust of the coaching staff or face a probable release before the season starts.